Objective:
The objective of the project is to produce mini-pilot scale levels of algae oil and algae meal from heterotrophic algae that use waste papaya fruit and additional feedstocks as a carbon source.

Approach:
The research team at PBARC has successfully grown heterotrophic algae on waste papaya fruit and recovered economic levels of algae oil and algae meal under laboratory conditions. The team now plans to produce mini-pilot scale levels of algae oil and algae meal in a 150 liter capacity bioreactor and further the research and development and validation phases of the project for additional feedstocks such as glycerol, albizia and sweet potato. The funds will be used to purchase pre-pilot scale equipment, materials and supplies, and to hire skilled personnel to carry out the work at PBARC. Funds will also be transferred to established SCA with BioTork, LLC.